Mount Otemanu rises 727 metres (2,385 feet) from the centre of Bora Bora’s lagoon, a jagged black basalt remnant of an ancient volcano that locals consider sacred. A few kilometres away, at a site called Anau, manta rays gather year-round at a cleaning station where snorkellers can slip into the water and watch them glide past. These two experiences — one demanding a full day of scrambling on loose volcanic rock, the other a gentle drift in turquoise water — represent the island’s extremes. This guide covers exactly what it takes to reach Otemanu’s upper slopes and swim alongside the rays, with the practical details you need to decide which one fits your trip.
Mount Otemanu is Bora Bora’s highest peak at 727 metres (2,385 feet), a jagged remnant of the island’s ancient volcano considered sacred in Polynesian culture. The summit is closed to the public.
If you want the full Bora Bora adventure in a single trip, pair the Anau Cave hike with a morning at the manta ray cleaning station. The hike gives you the island from above — the lagoon, the reef, the whole geometry — and the snorkel puts you inside that same postcard. Both require a guide or a booked tour, and both are best done during the dry season (May to October). One caveat: the hike is genuinely strenuous and not suitable for kids under 12 or anyone with vertigo. The snorkel, by contrast, works for confident swimmers of almost any age.
Adventure hikers
Snorkellers & divers
Couples seeking variety
| Activity | Duration | Difficulty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anau Cave Hike (Mt Otemanu) | 5 – 6 hours return | Strenuous; steep, loose rock, scrambling | Experienced hikers; minimum age 12 |
| Manta Ray Snorkel (Anau) | Half-day (incl. transport) | Easy; calm lagoon conditions | All confident swimmers; families |
Hiking to Anau Cave on Mount Otemanu
The summit of Mount Otemanu is off-limits — the final ascent requires technical rock climbing on near-vertical volcanic cliffs, and the peak is culturally protected. But the standard guided hike reaches a dramatic alternative: Anau Cave, also known as Ana o Pea (Cave of the Swallow), a volcanic cavern on the mountain’s northeastern flank at roughly the 600-metre mark. From the cave entrance, the views over Bora Bora’s lagoon and out to the open Pacific are extraordinary, and the hike itself is a genuine physical challenge on unmarked terrain.
Start at dawn. The trail gets crowded after 8 a.m., and the sun hits exposed sections intensely by late morning. Dry season (May–October) offers the firmest trail conditions and clearest summit views. Guided hikes typically do not run during the wet season (November–April).
The hike takes 5 to 6 hours return and reaches roughly the 600-metre mark on the northeastern flank. The trail is unmarked, steep, and covered in loose volcanic scree. Several sections require hands-on scrambling. A certified local guide is not optional — operators will not provide directions without a booking, and independent hiking is strongly discouraged for safety and cultural reasons. Minimum age is typically 12, and the hike is not suitable for guests with vertigo, heart conditions, or asthma.
Expect to pay around $100–150 USD per person for a guided hike. The price usually includes pickup from your accommodation, a guide who knows the route and its cultural context, and safety briefings. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water, sun protection, and a light rain jacket — weather shifts quickly in the South Pacific, and afternoon clouds and showers are common. If you’d prefer mountain views without the physical demand, ATV and 4WD jeep tours climb the island’s jungle tracks to high viewpoints with sweeping views of Otemanu and the lagoon, and they also stop at the WWII gun emplacements on the ridgelines.
Heading into Anau Cave reframed the day. For more on Bora Bora’s hiking options, see our guide to hiking to panoramic views of Bora Bora’s interior.
Snorkeling with Manta Rays at the Cleaning Station
If the hike is about conquering a mountain, the manta ray snorkel is about drifting. The main site is the Manta Ray Cleaning Station at Anau, a dive and snorkel spot on the outer reef where manta rays congregate year-round to have parasites removed by cleaner fish. The water clarity in Bora Bora’s lagoon often exceeds 30 metres, which means you’ll see the rays approaching from a distance — a slow, deliberate glide that feels almost choreographed.
Book a morning tour if you want the calmest water and best light. The lagoon is at its glassiest before the afternoon trade winds pick up. Bring reef-safe sunscreen — it’s mandatory under French Polynesian regulations, and it’s expensive to buy on the island. Most resort shops stock it, but bringing your own from home is cheaper.
A typical lagoon tour costs around €80 per person and includes stops at multiple sites: a shallow sandbank where Southern Stingrays gather in large numbers (commonly called Stingray City), a spot where blacktip reef sharks are fed, the Aquarium snorkelling site with extraordinary densities of parrotfish and surgeonfish, and the manta ray cleaning station itself. Many tours end with a beach picnic on an uninhabited motu, where guides serve Poisson Cru (raw tuna marinated in lime juice and coconut milk) and grilled fish cooked over coconut husks.
The manta rays are completely habituated to snorkellers. They swim close — sometimes within arm’s reach — but they are not fed or touched. The experience is entirely observational, and the guides know where the rays are most likely to be cleaning on any given day. If you want a deeper experience, scuba diving at the same site allows you to sit on the sandy bottom and watch the rays pass overhead for longer stretches.
For more on swimming with Bora Bora’s marine life, read our detailed guide to the shark and ray snorkelling safari. To book a guided tour that combines multiple lagoon stops, check the available options on Viator.
Practical Tips for Hiking and Snorkelling in Bora Bora
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Best Time of Year
The dry season from May to October is the best time for both activities. The weather is warm (26–28°C), humidity is lower, and the lagoon is at its calmest and clearest. For the hike, the trail stays firm and less slippery. For snorkelling, visibility is best. July and August are the busiest and most expensive months; May, June, September, and October offer a better balance of conditions and value. Guided hikes typically do not run during the wet season (November to April) due to trail conditions and safety.
Sudden weather changes on the mountain. If rain or fog sets in, visibility drops and the volcanic rock becomes dangerously slick. Descend immediately if conditions turn. On the lagoon, afternoon trade winds can create choppy water — morning tours are reliably calmer.
What to Pack
For the hike: sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, plenty of water (no sources on the trail), sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen), a light rain jacket, and cash for your guide (US dollars or CFP francs). For the snorkel: reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard or wetsuit (the water is warm, but sun exposure adds up), a GoPro or waterproof camera, and cash if you want to buy drinks or snacks from the boat crew. If you’re bringing a drone, check local regulations — drone use is restricted near resorts and private land around the mountain base.
Hiring Guides and Booking Tours
For the Anau Cave hike, a certified local guide is mandatory. Expect to pay $100–150 per person. Most resorts can arrange a guide, or you can book through an independent operator. For the manta ray snorkel, most lagoon tours include the cleaning station as a stop. Book independently rather than through your resort — the price difference is significant. Viator offers a range of vetted operators for both activities. For a guided hiking or ATV tour, see the options on Viator.
Cash and Currency
Bora Bora uses the CFP franc (XPF), pegged to the euro. Major resorts and tour operators accept credit cards, but cash is needed for food trucks (roulottes) in Vaitape, local markets, and some independent guides. ATMs are available in Vaitape but limited. Bring some cash from Papeete if you land there first, or hit the ATM at the Bora Bora airport.
- You cannot hike to the summit of Mount Otemanu. The guided hike reaches Anau Cave at the 600-metre mark — still spectacular, but not the top.
- The manta ray cleaning station at Anau is a reliable year-round snorkel site. No dive certification needed.
- Dry season (May–October) is the best time for both activities. Wet season limits hiking options and reduces lagoon visibility.
- Book tours independently to save money. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and cash for guides and small vendors.
Before You Go — Bora Bora Adventure FAQ
Can I hike to the summit of Mount Otemanu?
No. The summit is closed to the public due to steep volcanic cliffs, loose rock, and its cultural significance as a sacred site. The standard guided hike leads to Anau Cave at roughly the 600-metre mark on the northeastern flank, which is as far as any responsible guide will take you. The final ascent is dangerous and off-limits.
Do I need a guide for the hike?
Yes. The trail is unmarked and independent hiking is strongly discouraged. A certified local guide is not optional — operators will not provide directions without a booking. The hike takes 5–6 hours return and costs around $100–150 per person. Your resort can usually arrange it.
What if I don’t want to hike?
You can still experience Mount Otemanu without the physical effort. ATV and 4WD jeep tours climb the island’s jungle tracks to high viewpoints with sweeping views of the mountain and lagoon. Helicopter and scenic flights offer a bird’s-eye perspective. And honestly, simply sitting on the beach at Matira or on the deck of an overwater bungalow gives you one of the best views on the island.
Is the manta ray snorkel safe for kids?
Yes, for confident swimmers. The water is calm and shallow at the cleaning station, and the rays are completely habituated to snorkellers. Most lagoon tours are family-friendly and include stops at multiple sites. Minimum age for the hike is 12, but the snorkel works for kids as young as 6 or 7 if they’re comfortable in the water.
What’s the best time of day for the manta ray snorkel?
Morning tours offer the calmest water and best light. The lagoon is typically glassy before the afternoon trade winds arrive. Most half-day tours depart around 8 a.m. and return by lunchtime, which also avoids the midday heat.
Two Sides of the Same Island
Mount Otemanu and the manta rays of Anau represent Bora Bora in its two most powerful forms: the volcanic backbone that gives the island its drama, and the living reef that gives the lagoon its pulse. Standing on the flank of the mountain, you see the entire ring of the atoll laid out below you. Floating above the cleaning station, you watch the rays appear out of the blue and glide past as if you weren’t there. One is about effort and elevation; the other is about stillness and patience. Both are worth the trip. If you’re planning a photography-focused trip, don’t miss our guide to capturing Bora Bora’s beauty.
References
Islania. “Bora Bora.” Islania, 2025. ↗
Wander in Paradise. “Mount Otemanu Bora Bora.” Wander in Paradise, 2025. ↗
The Trip Sites. “Bora Bora Complete Travel Guide.” The Trip Sites, 2025. ↗
For more Bora Bora content, check out our guides on Bora Bora after dark, jet ski adventures, and swimming with majestic rays.
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